Models wear clothes featuring Taizhou embroidery in a show held at Jiazhi Old Street in Taizhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

Jiazhi Old Street in Jiaojiang district, Taizhou, Zhejiang province, came alive on the evening of Sept 24 with the Taizhou Embroidery Courtyard's inaugural event.

Twenty models clad in garments featuring Taizhou embroidery gracefully paraded through the courtyard, captivating guests with their blend of traditional elegance and contemporary style.

Established as a provincial platform for preserving and promoting the intangible cultural heritage of Taizhou embroidery, the courtyard is funded by Zhejiang Taixiu Clothing Co, under the management of Lin Xia, a representative inheritor of Taizhou embroidery.

The courtyard's interior exudes an antique charm, with warm yellow hues reminiscent of ancient artworks dominating the decor. The first floor features experiential spaces and a courtyard runway, dedicated to showcasing the exquisite embroidered apparel.

The second floor houses the Contemporary Art Gallery of Taizhou Embroidery, where Lin's masterpieces are displayed amid the serene ancient architecture.

"Through such a space, I hope to showcase the essence of Taizhou embroidery culture," Lin said. Many of the designs in the courtyard were personally crafted by her.

She also hopes to showcase the history and culture of Jiaojiang's traditional courtyards while displaying the embroidery art. That's why she chose to refer to the place as "yuan (courtyard)".